The Rio Cubatão, also known as the Rio Cubatão do Sul, originates within the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park — an 84,130-hectare protected area of mountainous Atlantic rainforest southwest of Florianópolis — and flows approximately 62 kilometers before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Palhoça. Along its course it passes through the municipalities of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Águas Mornas, São Pedro de Alcântara, and Palhoça. Its watershed covers roughly 738 square kilometers and serves as a primary water supply for the greater Florianópolis metropolitan area, including the cities of Florianópolis, São José, Palhoça, Biguaçu, and Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.

The river is well established as a whitewater paddling destination, with both rafting and kayaking operations running out of the area. The typical commercial run begins near the village of Vargem Grande, in the municipality of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, with the put-in address associated with at least one operator located on Rua Princesa Leopoldina in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz. The standard route covers approximately 3.5 kilometers and takes around two hours to complete. The character of the run transitions from calmer, shallower water in the upper section — useful for learning paddle technique — into progressively narrower and faster whitewater as the river descends. Fast sections alternate with slower pools. Cliff jumping is an optional activity at the end of at least one commercial route.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Atlantic rainforest of the Serra do Tabuleiro, providing a backdrop of mountains and dense vegetation throughout the run. Commercial operators rate the difficulty level as moderate, and trips are offered to participants ranging from ages 8 to 79 on some tours, with children as young as 12 permitted on others depending on river conditions. Standard safety equipment — helmet, life vest, and paddle — is provided by operators, with wetsuits available when conditions warrant. Guides are available who speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Transfers from Florianópolis to the river are commonly offered by commercial operators, typically by private van. The activity is available daily.